TEJUTLA, GUATEMALA -- March 15-25, 2009—Six-month-old Jennifer Lopez weighed a heartbreaking 6 pounds when HELPS staff member, Rudy Gonzales, found her at the local hospital.  Being the mother of 8 children, Jennifer's widowed mother was unable to nurse her and without the funds to purchase formula.  Gaunt and listless, little Jennifer was too malnourished to produce a cry.  While her mother underwent gallbladder surgery, baby "JLo," as the team nicknamed her, became Minnesota's most cherished treasure.  Team members took turns caring for her and clinic administrator, Geri Randall, even set up a cradle for her at the foot of her cot.

Over the course of the week, little JLo gained a full pound and regained color, awareness, and plenty of energy for a full-bellied cry.  Realizing that JLo's mother would be unable to feed her daughter after they returned home, Randall organized a team collection, which raised over a $1,000 to purchase groceries, baby formula, and a water filter for the Lopez family.  Overwhelmed by the experience, Randall remarked that, "Team members give of their time and resources to get there and still have a generous heart when needs are seen in the field. It is a privilege to travel with such committed volunteers."

The 88-team members performed a total of 113 surgeries, 136 dental cases, and 1,436 clinic consults.  Team leader and plastic surgeon, Dr. Paul Schultz, describes Tejutla as "a little piece of paradise" for its friendly and generous people. He greatly anticipates Minnesota's 7th trip to the location in March of 2010.